[wp-review id=”75702″]
Baby Groot is back in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2, Marvel’s latest cinematic offering currently raking in thousands of box office dollars as I type. It’s well-deserved, too, thanks to a cast of characters that you can’t help but love, a soundtrack that sticks in your head, and a sequel script that did actually warrant being made. It’s funny, fast-paced and memorable, and writer/director James Gunn should be very proud of himself.
If you even slightly enjoyed the first Guardians film, you’ll definitely like this one. It’s more of the same crazy space hijinks, clever humour and unusual characters, and it works on every level. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a film cast look like they’re having this much fun, and it really shows in their work. Chris Pratt looks like he’s genuinely enjoying every second, and it’s great to see. I just require more Star-Lord dancing next time, please!
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that this film focuses on heritage and beginnings, and one very well-known actor in particular graces us with his acting skills. There’s also a brilliant cameo that fans will love, in addition to Stan Lee’s usual appearances, and lots of unanswered questions are addressed. Cryptic, I know, but I don’t want to be responsible for spoiling the Guardians’ latest space antics!
For me, the star of this film is Baby Groot. He’s the cutest little thing, even though he can only say three words and has a tendency to run off with highly important electronic equipment. Every one of his scenes is worth the price of a cinema ticket, especially our first glimpse of the tiny tree as he merrily shows a blatant disregard for a life-or-death situation. He’s the reason I want to keep watching this film, and I’m so glad James Gunn chose to keep him this size.
Zoë Saldana and Dave Bautista round out this motley crew of heroes, and their screen time is just as important as anyone else’s. Gamora and Drax really seem to have found their feet this time around, and they have great chemistry with the rest of the team. Gamora is my personal favourite after Groot — she’s a weapon-wielding badass of the highest regard, and she can totally hold her own against the baddies of the universe. Drax brings the humour, and this time it’s in the form of well-meaning insults and a distaste for certain species. Great fun all round!
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is a thrill ride from start to finish, and it’s exactly what I was expecting. The ending left me with tears in my eyes, and I can’t wait for more from this creative team. If anyone has any ideas for a Baby Groot film, please let me know — I’m happy to offer my pocket money to pay for his time. Of course, that’s all dependent on whether he’s busy off saving the world after appearing in one of five post-credit scenes. Stay in your cinema seats right until the end, Marvel fans. You have been warned!
